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^J^^^vr- ,^^;■\.■
l
HARVARD COLLEGE
LIBRARY
Mm
Bought from the Fund for
Current Modern Poetry
given by
MORRIS GRAY
C LASS OF 1877
/■■
The Play
of
Everyman
Based on the old English morality play
New Version by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Set to blank verse by George Sterling
In collaboration with Richard Ordynski
A. M. Robertson
San Francisco
1917
i
of the elder drama. He has, as it were, curved and
widened the walk, given it vistas and a decent amount
of greenery, and all this without losing sight of his
goal — a goal needed no less by the man of today than
by the knight, man-at-arms or peasant of old years.
He followed the plan of the English "Everyman,**
with its rhymed lines, but I have thought it better to
make use of blank verse, the breakable Unes of which
lend an articulation, flexibility and suspense not read-
ily accessible to one who would use the other (and
monotonous) form. Moreover, following Mr. Ordyn-
ski*s valuable suggestions, I have somewhat amplified
the play by the addhion of the characters of War and
a Workman, as well as by the lines in which the Par-
amour takes her leave of Everyman and those in
which the Debtor and the Workman assist Good
Deeds. The scene of the Pararaour*s departure is of
especial value, I think, in the appeal and coherence of
the play.
GEORGE STERLING.
Los Angeles, Dec. 29th, 1916.
Everyman
Everyman
CHARACTERS
The Prologue
The Lord God
The Angel
Death
Faith
Good Deeds
The Devil
Mammon
War
Everyman
Everyman's Mother
Friend
Paramour
The Thin Cousin
The Fat Cousin
The Steward
The Cook
The Poor Neighbor
The Debtor
The Debtor's Wife
Workman
Guests
Servants
Boys
Musicians
Angels
A Monk
This version presented for the first time, on
January 9th at the Trinity Auditorium
Los Angdes, California, by
Richard Ordynski and Aline Barnsdall
with the following cast.
CHARACTERS
The Prologue
The Voice of God
I>eath
The Devil
Faith
Good Deeds
War
Mammon
Everjrman
Everjonan's Mother
Friend
Paramour
The Little Counn
The Fat Couain
The Steward
The Cook
A Monk
The Poor Neighbor
The Debtor
The Debtor's Wife
Workman
A Servant
Guests
Oftoers
Pages
Musicians
Angels
Marjorie Day
Clyde McCo^
Peretval Vivian
Veda McEvers
Violette WOson
Harold Skinner
James H. Finlasrson
Gareth Hughes
iGrah Markham
Irving Pichel
Ann Andrews
Margaret T. Allen
Athol Haves
Bruno Schuman
Miriam Meredith
Gordon Thomas
George Warren
Ford Tarpley
Irene Bevans
Phillip Gastrock
George Hackathom
The Misses Vernon. Boike. Buigaer
Collier. Davis, Holmes. Ingham, Moore.
Rottman.
Messrs. McCuUough. Nieto, Sleeper.
Vickers.
Miss LeClerq, Miss Lee, Mr. Williams
Mr. Curran, Mr. James
Miss Riley, Miss Dunavray
Miss Mai
Miss Barnes
iviiss Margrage, Miss tsarnea
Miss Goodall, Miss Hopkins,
Miss Michaels, Miss Price
■•'-■>
..'>
Everyman
PROLOGUE
listen, good people, to this holy play;
*Tis a perfonnance for the rich and poor.
The small, the great, the children and the old;
And you shall learn that earthly days and deeds
Are frail as they are fleeting. You shall see
When and through whom the final sununons came
To one, like you, a mortal. So take heed
And treasure in your hearts the lesson here.
Which we, in all simplicity, will show.
Secure you sit to-day, who shall one day
Go forth on that same road as EVERYMAN.
THE LORD GOD
O men! vile men! how long shall I endure
mM-bardness o£~youi: hearts? Forgetting Me,
Dreading Me not, ye live the lives of beasts.
Basely sin-soaked, blind to My light and law,
.And know Me not — ^your God. The world alone
Enthralls you. Heavenly things beget your scorn.
The bond between My majesty and you
Ye have forgotten — that I gave My blood.
Dying upon the Tree that men might live, —
That I was naSed upon a martyr's cross, —
Hiat cruel thorns were woven for my crown, —
That I gave all to you^ Now all my laws
Ye break. But swifdy shall my judgment come
On finful man. Unerring messengetl
10 EVERYMAN
Stand forth! I have a journey for thee. Death.
DEATH:
Almighty God. behold thy servant! Say
What duly waits, that I may serve Thy will.
THE LORD GOD
Go thou to Everyman and say that he
Must make a pilgrimage upon this day
And hour — a journey he shall not escape.
See that he brings his book of reckoning.
And that he neither tarries nor escapes.
DEATH
Lord, I will roam this whole great earth of Thine,
Relentlessly, and seek out small and great —
All men that cherish Thy commandments not.
But lower than the beasts have sunk. All hearts
Given to earthly joys my spear shall pierce.
And blinded, they shall find not Heaven's gate.
Ill shall it be with him on that dread day.
Whom Faith and Charity do not befriend!
EVERYMAN:
(Steps forth from his house, a Servant follonfing.)
Haste to my steward. I have word for him.
{The Servant returns to the house.)
How pleasant is my home to look upon!
How costly and how prominent! Show me
Another one as rich in all the land!
What wealth of furnishings in many rooms!
What coffers and what retinue of serfs I
EVERYMAN ii
Money besides is mine, and country seats.
And fertile farms that bring me goodly rents.
My factories, aroar with all their wheels.
Bellow at dawn to summon to their tasks
Unnumbered men. And deep in many mines
My toilers sweat, far from the wholesome day.
Oh, be my future happy as my past I «.•
{Enter STEWARD.)
Steward, go bring a well-filled bag of gold.
For I forgot it. Mark you this besides:
A splendid feast I order for to-day:
Kindred and guests are coming. Send the cook, ";^
And bring the gold yourself.
(Stei»ard goes ivithin. Cook enters at once.)
Cook, I command
A sunq>tuous feast to-day.
COOK:
Must every course.
Then, be prepared afresh?
EVERYMAN:
Plague take you, yes I
Nothing warmed-over for a board like mine I
COOK:
From yesterday at least enough remains
For two cold courses.
EVERYMAN:
Dolt I Impertinent !
J'
xa EVERYMAN
Shall I eat beggars* food>
(Cook goes within. Steward appears. Gives bag to
Evefyman.)
See that you keep
Strict watch on all the servants, man and maid.
They please me not at all.
(The POOR NEIGHBOR appears, approaching anx-
ioush. EVERYMAN'S FRIEND aho approaches,
with quick steps.)
It is for that
I've set you o*er the rest. But go I here comes
My friend.
(Exit Steward.)'
You've made me wait too long. But now
We'll go and see that property beyond
The city gates. I think it could be made
A pleasure-garden.
FRIEND:
Order and 'tis done!
He who can pay, needs only say I
PCX)R NEIGHBOR:
Kind sir.
Is this the house of wealthy Everyman?
O sirl I beg you in my poverty!
Give alms to a poor man!
FRIEND:
(7*0 Everyman.)
Now. as I said.
We must make haste: we cannot linger long.
EVERYMAN 13
POOR NEIGHBOR:
(Stretches his hands beseechingl}f.)
0 Everyman I have pity I
FRIEND:
Do you not
Recall his face>
EVERYMAN:
I> Who is he?
POOR NEIGHBOR:
I stretch
My hands to you, O Everyman I for I
Knew better days, and was your neighbor once.
Before they took my home away from me.
EVERYMAN:
{Civing him a coin.)
Enough I
POOR NEIGHBOR:
(Does not take coin.)
A stingy offering I
EVERYMAN:
Say you so?
Odds truth!
POOR NEIGHBOR:
Had I a brother's share therefrom,
1 should be well and happy.
14 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
You> Therefrom?
POOR NEIGHBOR:
Because of this, O Evenmum! I kneel
Before you. Do but share that bag with me!
EVERYMAN:
(Laughs)
Merely that>
FRIEND:
What a man has, he keeps a grip upon;
You'd have a thousand beggars round your neck,
Elsewise. A hundred thousand!
POOR NEIGHBOR:
But you are
So rich! Why. if you gave me half the purse,
You*d still have all the coffers in your house,
And rents and interest.
EVERYMAN:
Man, who are you
That you should prate of coffers and of rents
Or of my income?
FRIEND:
I should be ashamed!
EVERYMAN:
Quit, man I For you are greatly in the wrong.
EVERYMAN 15
Xf still you dream that I could please myself
In sharing this with you. *Tis mine no more,
£ut must be paid to-day as purchase-price
XJpon a pleasure-garden. So *tis pledged,
'.And he who sells the garden will not wait.
POOR NEIGHBOR:
•Well, pay him every penny. You have but
To say a word and they will bring you more;
For if you have one purse, you must have ten.
Send quickly for another now, and share
This purse with me, if you're a Christian man!
EVERYMAN:
And were another brought, 'twould not be free.
In this hard battle against death and sin.
Still must my money toil for me, must still
Go far afield, and send back interest.
That all my dues be mine indeed. Behold!
My houses cost me greatly, what of horse
And hound and servants and a thousand things
That are in keeping with my state; for I
Have pleasure-gardens, fish ponds, game-preserves.
That need more looking-after than a child.
One must improve estates, and where so much
Goes out, the more there must be to come back.
Oh! easily 'tis said, "That man is rich." 1
But have you thought what cares we rich men have? ^
From far and near come flowing claims and needs.
So that one cannot cross the street but what
One meets an outstretched hand. Well, even that
One mutt expect, but still, no pamperiu^l
x6 EVERYMAN
Things must be done just so, for there are rules.
Let poor as well as rich observe. To each
His own: this law the beggar violates.
For look you: were I to divide my wealth
Among the needy, there would be for each
I swear, diis single shilling, this one coin I
Take then your own just portion, man, and go!
(Ndghbor takes shilling and goes,)
FRIEND:
You gave him what was just. Money, God knows.
Makes brains!
EVERYMAN:
0)nie, let us hasten, for the day grows old.
(Enter DEBTOR, led h TWO OFFICERS, and id
lor»ed hy WIFE and CHILDREN, in rags.)
FRIEND:
What mother's son is this they hale along.
Arms crossed? A debtors* prison is his goal.
No doubt Uncareful one! Now he*ll have time
On bread and water to consider things,
Or hang his wretched carcass on a nail.
You tried to make a rhyming game of life:
Lending and spending rhyme too well, you see!
DEBTOR:
One must have care with life's broad ledger, else
The account goes wrong.
EVERYMAN:
Now whom have you in mind?
EVERYMAN 17
DEBTOR:
The one who asks.
EVERYMAN:
I do not even know
Whom you may take me for.
DEBTOR:
Shame would be mine.
If I were in your shoes!
EVERYMAN:
You give hard words
Without good cause. If life's awry with you.
Am I to blame >
DEBTOR:
What flinty words are these.
For mine that are so soft!
EVERYMAN:
Who deals you them>
DEBTOR:
You, in an evil hour!
EVERYMAN:
I know you not.
Even by sight! <
DEBTOR:
Nevertheless your heel
Is on my necL
x8 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
That were a strange event.
And I unwitting of it!
DEBTOR:
Brings me to jail.
How can this be?
Yet your name
EVERYMAN:
Now by my patron Saint,
DEBTOR:
You are that Everyman
At whose complaint the law lays hold on me;
I were not dragged to prison save for you.
EVERYMAN:
(Becoming reserved)
I, innocent, wash now my hands of this.
DEBTOR:
These serviceable tools believe that they
Harry my flesh and soul, but it is you
Whose will they work. You bring this shame on you.
And should feel humbled to the very ground.
EVERYMAN:
Why, in the first place, got you into debt?
You reap but what you sow. My money has?
No eyes. It works without regard to you -J
Or even me. Your only just complaint
EVERYMAN 19
Is that you were unready when the debt
Fell due.
DEBTOR:
He jeers and mocks at my despair.
So, that is to be rich! The heart of such
Knows naught of God's commands. His coffers hold
The pledges of the poor, yet does he keep
The poor in neediness and misery!
DEBTOR'S WIFE:
Be merciful! Tear up the accursed pledge.
Nor send my children's father to a jail!
Tliey never did you harm. Have you, alas!
No honor and no conscience? Can you, then.
List to the orphan's curse unmoved? Do you
S Think not on that more dreadful Book of Debts
/ That opens when life ends?
EVERYMAN:
Woman, you prate
Of things beyond your understanding. This
I do not out of malice; care and thought
Were given ere we ordered this complaint.
Why, money is the same as other goods.
And has an equal right before the law.
FRIEND:
111 were it with the world were things not so!
DEBTOR'S WIFE:
But money is mere metal that we grant
i
ao EVERYMAN
In mercy as a loan to fellow-men.
DEBTOR:
Money is not at all as other goods.
'Tis curst and magical, and he whose hand
Reaches for it shall close upon disgrace
And harm immedicable to his soul.
The name of Satan*s net in this sad world
Is money.
EVERYMAN:
What a slanderous fool you are!
You do not know my use to fellow-men.
You feign a scorn of money, yet it is
A godly thing to you. You say 'tis naught;
But you are like the fox that cried, **Sour grapes!"
He who belittles what is not his own
Finds no believers in his honesty.
DEBTOR:
This my misfortune grants me — that I see
The devil's trap, and loose my soul from it.
From money's trap.
FRIEND:
Loosed are you from that trap.
And for that freedom all your freedom lose.
EVERYMAN:
He who invented money was most wise.
Believe me. Money lifts the world above
All mean exchange and barter, and each man
/^
EVERYMAN ax
In his own sphere is as a lesser God.
Through money he does much; and quietly.
With small a-do, he rules a hundred lands,
V Being regent of them all. And naught so high \ \ ,.
/ Or swift that money cannot compass it. _) *^
It buys the land and all the serfs thereo
This by the precious and eternal right.
Ordained by Christ, of our great Emperor,
/^cal that, for money, one may ever buy!
/ Beyond this power I know no other power,
^"--And all men must bow down in reverence
To what I hold before you in this hand.
DEBTOR'S WIFE:
Swift in the devil's praises! Man, your jaw
Works like a preacher's! Mammon's filthy purse
You honor as a holy Tabernacle!
EVERYMAN:
Honor where honor's due! I blaspheme not
The power I feel existant.
Elnough!
FRIEND:
DEBTOR:
(As officers take him aipap)
My own, my dearest wife.
Of what avail your weeping? Mammon's claws
Sink in my soul. Why gave I him my life?
Now life is over.
{Thejf ial^e htm aD»a>).^
aa EVERYMAN
DEBTOR'S WIFE:
Stand you there like stones?
Is't possible? Where shall I shelter now
My children?
EVERYMAN:
{To Friend)
For my sake go quietly
And look into this matter. The man goes
To prison: there's no help for that. But I
Will grant the wife a shelter. What she needs
For mere existence — she and her small brood —
I'll give her, through my steward. They shall go
Into seclusion, where I cannot 4iear
Her wails, nor know the fullness of her need.
For such things are disgusting. So it goes:
One lives on quietly and decently.
With nothing very bad upon one's mind.
Then all at once one finds the devrl to pay:
You're in a mess, not even knowing why!
Why should my sweet tranquillity be spoiled
And I dragged into this vile quarrel — mixt
With this gaunt rogue's misfortune? He has made
His bed: now let him lie in it! He cries
"Oh!" and "Alas!" Just so B follows A.
What then did he expect? It has been so
Since Adam's time: it is no modern thing.
On the shoulders of his very creditor
He wants to pile his burden! But I say
Endurance, patience, gave me power to lend.
He took my money swift enough, and now
He calls me "devil!" Honestly, I say.
EVERYMAN 33
It wearies me I But twilight's on the land.
And we have still the pleasure-park to see.
Do me a favor, friend, and that at once:
Make the first payment for me, since delay
Means trouble. I desire this pleasure-park
And house thereon for a sweetheart of mine:
It soon will be her birthday.
FRIEND:
Shall I find
Her with you in the evening? Well, Til bring
The bill of sale there, duly made to your
Instructions.
EVERYMAN:
Many thanks, good friend! They urge
That I come quickly. 'Tis the only place
In . all thi* wnrld lyl^frft no35ng galls my^'BIS'.'
The love she brings is perfect happiness:
So would I bind her with this birthday gift.
That each may see the other's gratitude
Revealed as by twin mirrors.
FRIEND:
In what way
Will you do this>
EVERYMAN:
I shall make speedily the garden, then
Place midmost there a lordly pleasure-house.
This I shall build after my own design.
Half-open to the airs, with onyx shafts.
Fountains and lovely bronzes diall be tKt.te«
\N
24 EVERYMAN
And dawn and twilight from surrounding lawns
Shall waft the fragrance of unnumbered flow'rs.
Carnation, rose and lily shall abound.
And wall and arch of woven greenery.
Where even by noon's heat shall we find shade —
') Hijdqi fromj^nl^gh^ i" tl^gi^jyarg^fiil place.
Tliere too, in closes sheltered from tEe wmd.
And girt with flowers, a statue shall be set.
Gazing forever in a brimming pool
That flows from marble water-cool and smooth —
The rippling bed of crystal for a nynq>h.
FRIEND:
Be sure that this will be a costly thing.
Nor shall its like be found with ease.
EVERYMAN:
I will
Present it to my dearest one, and take
Her hands in mine, and lead her to the spot.
There in that lovely garden shall she see
Her mirrored face, she who delights me so.
Even as such a garden, with its warmth
And gracious shade.
(WORKMAN approaches.)
FRIEND:
But see that sorry knave I
He spoils the very air! Will you permit
Such creatures in your presence?
WORKMAN
Everyman I
EVERYMAN as
Great master, Everyman! give ear to me
A little, I beseech you! Heavy toil
Has stolen youth and grace from me. but I
Am still your fellow man.
EVERYMAN:
What would you here?
WORKMAN
Age comes upon me, and my hand grows slow.
My labor is too much for me. From dawn
To dark I slave for you, as I have slaved
Since boyhood. Grant a pittance for mine age.
And rest from labor in a humble cot.
Far from the city*s noise and smoke!
EVERYMAN:
Get hence!
Back to your toil I So long as you have strength.
That long shall I have need of all your days.
These laborers! For what, think you, am I
Set over you by justice and the Lord?
Unless there be a master, who shall toil?
Unless you toil, our scheme of life dissolves,
And all's confusion! From your myriad tasks
Spring art and science and all pleasant things —
Wisdom and beauty and all human ease.
God grant I blot no instant of your work!
WORKMAN
Your yoke is very heavy. Know you not
How hard a thing it is to sweat and toil
a6 EVERYMAN
A whole life through, and find when age has come
An enq>ty larder and a fireless hearth?
We are as bu£Fers between you and pain.
Enduring heat and cold and weariness.
That heat and cold and weariness be not
Your portion. At the banquet-board of life
Gorge not yourselves: we too would eat the bread
Our hands have earned. Be mindful of our need.
We ask so little and we give so much!
EVERYMAN:
Continue then, to give I It well may be
That in the future better things shall come.
And briefer toil be yours. But I am set
Lord of to-day, and see no present need
To abate the labor. Get you to your task!
WORKMAN:
God grant you clearer sight and kinder heart I
(Exit Workman.)
{Lullabjjf mu$ic is heard.)
EVERYMAN:
What is it that I hear? What simple strains
Are those? The cradle music of old years
Hides me a moment from the moment's care.
I seem a child again and hear once more
Forgotten accents. Holy memories
Bring to my heart a mother's tenderness.
But say. can this be she? I've little time,
Yet really do not like to run away.
EVERYMAN 27
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
(Entering.)
\ I rejoice, my dear and only son,
see you here! My heart has been full sore
see your own so set on worldly things,
1 with so little time for me.
EVERYMAN:
Night air
reacherous, dear mother, and your health
delicate! It troubles me to see
I out-of-doors: is not in-doors the best?
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
I will you come and stay with me?
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
To-night
innot.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Do not let it vex you, then,
it I should keep you by the wayside.
EVERYMAN:
Ah!
only thought is of your health. Perhaps
>ther time were better.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Do not mind
mt my health: I've one foot in the grave.
a8 EVERYMAN
I care not for the present, but for my
Salvation everlasting. Nay! frown not.
My son, at this my preachment. Would it, then.
Be burdensome if I should question you
Whether your soul is dedicate to God?
You step back with in9>atience, and increase
Your sins of conscience, who should rather look
Within, and meekly see your God aright.
Think! if a message came from Him to you.
Ere morning, with die summons that you go
And render the account of all your life
Before the terrors of His judgment-seat!
EVERYMAN:
My mother, I have no intent to jeer.
Though knowing how priests love to threaten us.
'Tis their one earthly aim, to rail against
Our money, that that money may be theirs.
How well they know to grasp it ! It is grief.
Recalling how they (ill the hoary heads
Of old sick folk with dark and gloomy thoughts.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Darkness is otherwhere! Such thoughts are light —
Oh! brightest radiance! The righteous man
Has courage from the issues of this life
And pure rejoicing at the hour of death.
Becoming then aware of happiness.
If sons would think of their last hour, the hearts
Of mothers were less burdened down with woe.
5 +
EVERYMAN 29
EVERYMAN:
We are good Christians, for we go to church.
Give alms, and do our duty.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
^ How shall it be
When the last trumpet sounds, and you must give
Such strict account as shows your wealth has bought
Eternal death or else eternal life?
My son, it is a grievous thing to die.
But a more grievous thing to die forever.
EVERYMAN:
I still am young, and is it likely then
That I shall say farewell to earthly joys?
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
And will you bury in the sand your head, \\ -;
To hide the sight of Death's approach, my son?V
Lo! he may come to-morrow!
EVERYMAN:
I am fresh
In heart and limb, and will enjoy to-day.
Penance and meditation well may wait
A tinoe more fitting.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Like the shifting sand
Life changes; but the mind is slow to change.
30 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
What doleful talk! I have no time to-day.
As I've already told you.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
My dear son!
EVERYMAN:
But otherwise I am obedient.
And at your service.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Ah! my talk is sad
To you, which makes it doubly hard to me.
I have a dark presentiment, my son,
I shall not trouble you for many days
With admonitions. I shall burden you
But little longer. Soon the last farewell
Must pass between us two. You will remain
Behind, my child who would not heed advice.
And so I say I do not wish to preach —
Be sure of that. But ah! to your Lord God
Be grateful, for his mercy, and the seven
Great holy sacraments. Each is our aid.
And we so weak! So marvellous their help
On the uncertain journey of this life!
EVERYMAN:
What would you that I do?
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
My son, you are
EVERYMAN 31
nely man, (it for a woman's love.
Saviour knows man's needs, and knows as well
ape the conmion things of earth to man's
don. He has made a sacrament
im the lust of man to holiness.
you, to serve that lust, estrange yourself
holy matrimony?
EVERYMAN:
Oh! I've heard
lat before!
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
And is your heart unchanged?
EVERYMAN:
ight time has not come for it.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
And yet
is so near already!
EVERYMAN:
Well. J don't
no." Nor, for that matter, "yes."
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Sol
live my life in fear?
EVERYMAN:
Well, as to that,
>rrow is another day.
3a EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Who knows
If he will see it?
EVERYMAN:
Trouble not yourself;
You'll see me married yet
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
My dearest son.
For those words will I bless you evermore!
Ah ! how I thank you, and rejoice that such
Fair words are on your lips I
EVERYMAN:
Nor do I speak
In idle chatter.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
God be praised your will
Is not against this thing! A little word
Can fill a mother's heart with happiness;
And though your good intentions are but weak.
Yet are they good, not evil, and your speech
Has lifted from my mind a heavy load.
EVERYMAN:
Good-night, then, mother mine, and gentle sleep
Be yours!
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
Good-night to you, my darling son!
EVERYMAN 33
Your words are as a music in my heart
Mofc beautiful tha^ flutes and tender chieae^?
Of silvern cyml)als. In these latter days
Strange sights and signs are with me. These I take
To be a portent of my early death.
(Exit)
EVERYMAN:
Why, I too hear a music such as that!
Shall I too have that portent? Nay — I think
The cause is natural, though to me unknown.
Yet now it falls not only on the ear
But on the eye.
(PARAMOUR comes on^ accompanied fcj? plaj^ers and
boy^s carrying torches.)
Oh ! *tis my light o' love !
My heart is hot for her. Musicians too!
This is a merry crowd that comes for me!
PARAMOUR:
The one who makes us wait becomes by that
The worthiest guest. With cymbal and with torch
We'll have to lead him to his duty.
EVERYMAN:
You
Dim all the torches with your own fair light!
Sweeter your voice than any flute! To-night
All this is like soft balsam to a wound.
PARAMOUR:
It seined to me, before I drew so near.
34 EVERYMAN
Another one had grieved you, and your brow
And your bright cheeks were clouded as with pain.
EVERYMAN:
Oh! am I then so dear to you, my Sweet,
That you have eyes for this? I can but feel.
So madly have I Uved in my few years,
I should seem old and broken in your sight.
PARAMOUR:
You wound me by such words! I had not thought
You could say that. I hate these callow youths.
You are my lover and my darling one!
EVERYMAN:
At heart I feel as young as any youth.
And, if a boy no longer, all the more
Is my free spirit young and sensitive.
PARAMOUR:
A youth is raw, loves crudely, but a man
Is gentle and great-hearted. So he draws
All women to him by his tenderness
And poise of soul.
EVERYMAN:
Had one his death in mind.
And, sunk in melancholy, should behold
Your loveliness, he'd pity his own pain.
PARAMOUR:
The very word affrights ! Ah ! Death is like
EVERYMAN 35
A wicked serpent hidden under flow'rs.
Never let it be wakened!
EVERYMAN:
Love, do I
.Bring sorrow to you? Let us bury it
In flowers, nor have a serpent in our thoughts.
And yet two serpents sweetly may embrace.
PARAMOUR:
Serpents embrace? And who, then, may they be?
EVERYMAN:
Your two dear arms wherein I long to rest!
(She i^fsses him and places on his head a ga^ ivreath that
a hoyf hands her. Other hoy^s go hy^ stfewing flowers
and svfeet-scented herbs. A table comes up through
the floor, lighted and richly^ covered. Everyman and
Paramour go to the staircase that leads upivard. The
guests, fen \fouths and ten maidens, enter from both
sides, dancing and singing.)
FIRST SINGER:
A friend invites us, Everyman his name.
A right good sort he is, and has as well
A loving sweetheart Loneliness he hates, >
So bids us here, and merrily we come.
Now sing we one and all, my comrades brave !
(Thejf sing.)
SONG
A thousand flowers to crown the (ea%t«
36 EVERYMAN
And laughter evermore!
Sing till the sun is in the East,
For Love is at the door!
Bring golden wine and ruddy wine
To brim our glasses o'er!
Let joy be yours and joy be mine.
For Love is at the door!
A toast to you, companions dear.
And bliss imknown before !
Farewell to care, farewell to fear.
For Love is at the door!
EVERYMAN:
Welcome to all, for all can show me soon
The last funereal honors!
A MAIDEN:
What a way
To welcome us !
FAT COUSIN:
Confound it, Everyman,
What sort of greeting call you this? Saint Pan!
What ails you?
PARAMOUR:
What's your trouble, dear?
EVERYMAN:
The mood
Came on me for no reason. Heartily
I welcome you!
EVERYMAN ^7
(A clash of steel is heard and WAR enters.)
Who's here?
WAR:
Come now with me
O Everyman! I've other work for you
Than love and feasting.
EVERYMAN:
Tell me more.
WAR:
The king
Has planned a war and needs you in his ranks.
Come quickly; bid farewell to home and kin!
FAT COUSIN:
Why break our peaceful days?
WAR:
Peace makes you fat.
THIN COUSIN:
What! Would you mar our dear prosperity.
And we so comfortable?
WAR:
All things end!
War follows upon peace as peace on war!
EVERYMAN:
Why is this war?
38 EVERYMAN
WAR:
'Tis the king's will. He deems
His honor has been slighted.
EVERYMAN:
Let him then
Himself avenge that honor.
WAR:
Such is not
The use of kings: when one has vexed a throne.
The humble must allay, with blood and tears.
That injury.
EVERYMAN:
What folly ! I go not I
WAR:
Stay then! A mightier than I shall come.
And at his summons shall you hasten forth.
(Exit)
PARAMOUR:
Good riddance ! Now be seated as you like.
And servants, pass the wine around. Why stand
And stare so strangely?
{They seat themselves.)
EVERYMAN:
All are in their shrouds!
EVERYMAN 39
PARAMOUR:
at ails you? Are you ill?
EVERYMAN:
Ah-ha-ha-ha I
oolish thought! I'll drink a cup of wine:
ears the brain of mildew.
PARAMOUR:
Sit you down,
a kind word to them.
EVERYMAN:
Folk, can this be
house you sought? You all look strange to me.
(Silence.)
THIN COUSIN:
s Truth, my cousin Everyman, would you
t we go hence again?
FAT COUSIN:
Easier to say
n do, when you've so good a cook, and when
blood is warm with wine. I'm happy here!
EVERYMAN:
1, only this: it popped into my mind,
rou came in, how I could buy you up,
1 one, and then sell each and all again,
1 no more fuss than if I broke an egg.
42 EVERYMAN
Why, what*8 amiss?
FAT COUSIN:
I say it's all withi
A dryness of the brain. My sire oft had
The same complaint Drink bravely, and the wine
Will moisten the dry brain*
A MAIDEN:
Put in his wine
Some magic: hellebore, violets or hemp.
FAT COUSIN:
Here, boys I Make hot the wine, so that it steams!
Put cinnamon and ginger in it, too!
(At the back thty make the r»ine glor» in a paru)
ANOTHER MAIDEN:
Fve heard folks say there is a magic stone
Found in the swallow's gizzard. It is used
By great physicians. Chelidonius
*Tis called.
THIN COUSIN:
No, Chalcedon. I've heard of it:
A sovran cure for melancholia.
A THIRD MAIDEN:
I think he should be cured by syn9>athy.
There is some hidden malice here. Were my
Beloved ill like this I'd surely try
A cure of mine.
EVERYMAN 43
SECOND MAIDEN:
What would you try?
THIRD MAIDEN:
secret that, if known to common folk,
ould lose its charm.
It is
SECOND MAIDEN:
And where got you this lore?
THIRD MAIDEN:
ffice you that I got it. Not for you
le secret! But 1*11 whisper in her ear.
Uses and n>hispers in Paramour* s ear. At the same 6me,
further dor»n the table, several talk ^ follon>s.)
A GUEST:
1 this is from high living. It must be
is blood's too thick. A poor and needy man
ould not have melancholia*
A MAIDEN:
Why do not
ir music-makers drive our sorrow hence
ith mirth of trumpet and of violin?
ANOTHER MAIDEN:
t'f sing! The sick are often cured that way.
A GUEST:
it let the song be modest, surely.
She
44 EVERYMAN
ANOTHER GUEST:
Sings only gently, and with tenderness.
ANOTHER GUEST:
Know you the song beginning in this wise?
"In sweetest joys, so fly the hours.*' Methinks
Should he hear that, he'd not be sick for long.
FIRST MAIDEN:
No! stop! are we, then, priests? What good is there
In holy songs for us>
GUEST:
'Tis not a priest's!
The very watchmen sing it on the walls
At sunrise.
FIRST MAIDEN:
Well, I know another song
ANOTHER MAIDEN:
What?
GUEST:
(Kissing her.)
Oh! "When it rains it's wet!"
OTHER MAIDEN:
"The woods are full of greenery.
But for my lover I am sad.
Less like it.
EVERYMAN 45
He rode away, my darling lad.
And who in songs shall woo poor me>**
ANOTHER GUEST:
(Rtpeats it mock'msh*)
"Are woods so full of greenery?
And where is your beloved gone?"
eani^hile Everyman has drunk the cup of hot ipine, and
looks happier.)
EVERYMAN:
gay, my cousins and n^ cherished guests!
not been very well, but this good wine
i brought me to my senses. Greeting now,
one and all ! It was as though my heart
i turned to very lead, but stronger now
ns my desire to live. How glad am I
're all together ! I could weep for joy,
heart's so full. I have no words for it.
s world's so full of things beyond all price,
1 glad am I to be amid them. Yes,
indship and love: the two are worth so much!
who has both needs naught beside. Add wine
1 music's voice, and lo! the cup o'erflowsl
ve you well, sweet guests, and pray that you
oy the moment fully, holding close
I tenderly your dear ones. Ah! make use
this fair hour with all your faculties —
h hands and eyes and hearts and kissing mouths!
me not need entreat you more, dear guests!
I you, beloved cousin: sing to us!
46 EVERYMAN
FAT COUSIN:
Alack! alas! my sldnnj brotIier*s caOed!
Now comes the eternal song about **C€ld snow!"
{Thejf mg iPiih laughter.)
THIN COUSIN:
(Sings.)
**Dear Mrs. Lx>ve, hast thou no concern?
I'm in misery: feel me bum!
Cold, cold snow indeed thou art.
To melt with the fire of my choking heart!
Dear Mrs. Love, come along with me.
And all that heart shall be full of glee!"
(All ung. The dull tolling of a hcU is heard. Epery^n
pushes his glass aipayf.)
EVERYMAN:
What bell is that? It can mean nothing good,
Methinks, so loud and fearsome is the sound!
Now terror strikes my heart! Why tolls that bell.
And at this hour?
A GUEST:
I hear none, far or near.
ANOTHER GUEST:
Has any heard the sound of bells?
A MAIDEN:
Of bells?
Who talb of belb?
EVERYMAN 47
ANOTHER GUEST:
It is not time for Mass.
PARAMOUR:
I pray you, cease not singing!
A GUEST:
Has a soul
Heard a bell ring?
ANOTHER GUEST:
(SmiUng,)
Not for my soul it rang!
PARAMOUR:
Let not the song be interrupted, friends !
EVERYMAN:
I prithee, take no heed! Now all is well.
Nor hear I still that tolling.
FAT COUSIN:
It all comes
From sluggish blood. 1*11 order swift for you
Some more hot wine.
EVERYMAN:
■ Thanks, cousin! Never mind.
{He seats himself again. Paramour drai»s nearer to him.
The others sing at the foot of the table: **The i»oods v
are full of g^eener^** etc. During the singing. Every"
maris Friend comes in and seats himself at Ae table.
48 EVERYMAN
Suddenly) man\f voices are heard^ calling.)
VOICES:
Everyman I Everyman I Everyman 1
EVERYMAN:
(Jumping up full of fear.)
0 God! who calls for me like this? From where
Am I thus called? Ah! never, never more
Shall joy be mine!
FRIEND:
Everyman, I am here!
PARAMOUR:
Sec, Everyman! here's your dear comrade!
EVERYMAN:
Oh!
Tell me, dear friend, what awful voices cry.
And call for Everyman so terribly?
THIN COUSIN:
Some echo of our singing caught your ear,
EVERYMAN:
Nay ! nay ! it was cried fearfully and strong.
Not softly! Thus: "Everyman! Everyman!"
More terrible than that: familiar 'twas.
Yet strange, as from the kingdom of the fiends.
And now, because my soul has heard that cry,
1 never shall be comforted — ah, nay!
And list! Again! Oh, God! hear you it not?
How terribly they call for Everyman!
(The same call as before is heard.)
I
EVERYMAN 49
PARAMOUR:
no voice.
FAT COUSIN:
. Nor I.
THIN COUSIN:
No dniest echol
FRIEND:
(Coes nearer to Everyman,)
ears deceive you. You are ill indeed.
1 you not now retire?
EVERYMAN:
My strength returns,
ling you. I shall not hear that cry
. Be seated, friend! Dear guests, feast well,
>e your happiest! Tomorrow I
fare to the physician, that this ill
back no more.
PARAMOUR:
Yes, sweetheart! Promise that!
should die of worriment and fear
t you thus again.
continue feasting and making love. Everyman rises
anxiously.)
EVERYMAN:
Now, for God's sake,
earest, tell me why the lights grow dim.
so EVERYMAN
And who that is who comes upoD roe now!
No mortal being paces with such gait!
{Death appears in the distance. Exetmt most of the guei
DEATH:
Ho! Everyman! And is your heart so glad!
Have you forgotten utterly your God>
EVERYMAN:
What ask you at this hour? What your concern?
Who are you and what will you?
DEATH:
I am sent
From your Creator's majesty for you —
Sent in great haste, and therefore am I here!
EVERYMAN:
(Clutching at his heart.)
What! sent for me?
(With scorn.)
Indeed, a pretty tale!
DEATH:
And as you give Him little reverence.
So He, remembering on His heavenly throne.
Shows like concern for you.
EVERYMAN:
(Folloi»ing him r^ith dor»ncast e'^s.)
What would my God
Of me?
V
EVERYMAN 51
DEATH:
That do I here announce: He wills >r
now you settle your account with Him.
EVERYMAN:
I am ill-prepared for such accoimt!
! Must it be> Alas! despair is mine!
jTou — I know you not: declare to me
nature and your title.
DEATH:
I am Death <
man I summon, and no man I spare.
EVERYMAN:
t! Will you give no respite even to me>
worse: to catch me merry, and unwarned!
( truth! You do not play the game! 'Twill bring
little honor. Let me tell you now
mprepared. The ledger of my life
r from ready. Give me ten years more,
it shall be in order, that no fear
worry me, I swear to you on God !
lut of God's good mercy, let me stiay
put accounts in order!
DEATH:
Neither cries
prayers avail: the journey must be made
now.
5S EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
O God of mcrqr, on thy throoe,
HaTc pity on my cfire cEsticss! O Dcadi.
ShjJl I baTc DO companion, none but you.
Upon Ak journey? Must I leaTc Ak earth
Without a comrade — I, who never ]ret
Have been without companions here below?
DEATH:
Companionsfaq[> ends now. Wring not your hands:
*Tb useless. Hasten! Go before God's thrcme
And know your just deserts. Poor fool ! to dream
That Ufe and wealth were utterly your own!
EVERYMAN:
Indeed I thought so truly.
DEATH:
Nay, not so!
Your wealth was but a loan, which now, you gone.
Another shall inherit; and full soon
That other's hour shall strike, and he in turn
Shall bid farewell to all and wander forth.
Yea! I come quickly!
EVERYMAN:
Just a day! This night!
This hour ere sunrise, that, in penitence
I may hear holy words and be prepared
The better to go with you!
EVERYMAN 53
DEATH:
Who arc you
To ask delay of Death? Say when I spared
A vicdm? When I find the one I seek.
Without a warning swiftly at his heart
I strike.
EVERYMAN:
Now must I weep! Alas!
DEATH:
To weep
Is loss of time.
EVERYMAN:
Woe's me! How now shall I
Begin? Ah! had I but a little hour —
A single hour to find a comrade in !
To think that I, a mother's child, must go
Alone before my Judge!
DEATH:
Oh! dream you then
That such a one exists? There is no man
But would refuse such service!
EVERYMAN:
Not alone
Before the Judge! Ah! grant a little time.
For speech and coimsel ! For the sake of Christ !
For God's dear mercy!
54 EVERYMAN
DEATH:
Greatly care not I,
And leave you for a space. But mark! Waste not
A second's tnne, but use it carefully.
As best becomes a Christian.
(Becomes invisible.)
EVERYMAN:
You know —
{Approaching his friend.)
Dearest friend.
FRIEND:
I know indeed, good Everyman,
And was scarce ten feet distant when Death came.
I heard all things you talked of, and n^ heart
Was in my throat. A merry man you were —
Sound to the core until this fatal day;
But gazing on you now, oh! I could weep!
EVERYMAN:
Arxept my thanks, good friend.
FRIEND:
How may I be
Of aid? Tell me at once!
EVERYMAN:
Truly you are
A faithful friend: I've always found you so.
FRIEND:
So shall you ever find me! Be assured
ri
EVERYMAN 55
That were your journey all the way to Hell,
Here will you &id a fellow-traveler.
Ready to go with you.
EVERYMAN:
Now may God grant
That I prove worthy of a friend like this!
FRIEND:
Speak not of being worthy! It were shame
If words alone were mine, not deeds.
EVERYMAN:
My friend!
FRIEND:
e; Speak freely then. Speak frankly. I will stand
I As your true comrade in the final hour.
(Everjfman is about to open his mouth.)
- Sorely your sorrow hurts me. May all cares
Of eardi decay! Has someone injured you>
L Then must you be avenged, and by this hand,
f Grasping the blade! Yea! though I die for it!
EVERYMAN:
: Saint Paul! It is not that.
ir
i FRIEND:
Then must it be
Your wealth. It is a heavy care to you.
Since you lack heir of your own blood.
56 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
Nay, friend.
It is not that.
FRIEND:
No need for many words.
For you have trust in me: the will you've made
Is in safe hands, I'm sure, and leaves your wealth
AH to your sweetheart
EVERYMAN:
Nay, my best of friends!
But listen!
FRIEND:
Spare your tongue, dear Everym^,
For but few words will make me understand.
EVERYMAN:
A very different matter troubles me —
A graver thing indeed!
FRIEND:
Out with it now.
And swiftly! There is comfort in a friend.
EVERYMAN:
Ah, yes ! You are my friend !
FRIEND:
Then why not speak?
EVERYMAN 57
Perchance your time drawn short.
EVERYMAN:
Alas! That were
Most sorrowful of all!
FRIEND:
Then, Everyman,
Speak pronq>tly! Else, where would our friendship be?
EVERYMAN:
Ah! if I opened to you all my heart.
And your turned back made that appeal but vain.
Then tenfold were my sorrow and despair!
FRIEND:
That which I say, I do!
EVERYMAN:
I thank my Lord!
A far, far journey is ordained to me — V
One long and difficult. Nor is that all;
For I before my Maker and my Judge
Must give account of all my wealth and life.
Wherefore come thou with me, my faithful friend.
As lately was your promise!
FRIEND:
God! what's this?
To make and break a promise — that were shame!
I blush to think of it.
\
>
58 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
My friend!
FRIEND:
And yet.
Ere start of such a journey I should need
Much thought.
EVERYMAN:
Much thought ! You even promised me
That, dead or living, you would leave me not.
Although the road led straightway unto Hell!
FRIEND:
Aye! aye! such was my speech, with hand on heart;
But, truth to tell, this is no time for jests:
The occasion is most serious. Tell roe, please:
The journey started, when would we return?
EVERYMAN:
Oh! never! never! till the Judgment Day!
FRIEND:
Then by God's death, if that the message was.
Here stick I! On that journey go I not!
EVERYMAN:
You will not go>
FRIEND:
I stay here! I am frank.
You know, and freely tell you all my thoughts:
EVERYMAN 59
On such a journey, for no living soul ^
Would I go forth! Not for my father's sake,
God rest himi
EVERYMAN:
Christ I you promised otherwise 1 '^
FRIEND:
Wdl know I that I promised you to go.
And in good faith enough. You ever were
Good con4>any where women are concerned.
And were such sport in prospect, I should fail
You never, not so long as God should give
Us li^t by day and torches light by night
And that's the truth 1
{Begins to go.)
EVERYMAN:
Now does my need begin
Of youl Now need I you in truth, good friend I
FRIEND:
Good friends or no, now take I never step
Henceforth with youl
EVERYMAN:
(Taking him byf the arm.)
Nay, for God's mercy go
A little way!
FRIEND:
(Tears himself ai»a}f.)
6o EVERYMAN
Not II I will not put
One foot before the other! No, not for
New festal robes! Had you more time to spare,
I would not let you wait alone: as *tis,
I cannot tarry longer.
{Over his shoulder.)
Heaven grant
A speedy trip, and at the journey's end
Your belt well-being! Now must I make haste!
EVERYMAN:
(A step after him.)
Whither away, my comrade? Would you leave
Me all alone?
FRIEND:
What else? God keep your soul!
EVERYMAN:
Farewell, my friend! Heavy my heart for you!
Your health for aye! We shall not meet again!
FRIEND:
You too, farewell, O Everyman! Farewell
Unto the last! Your hand! Ah! parting hurts!
I know that now!
(Exit.)
EVERYMAN:
Alas ! where shall I find
Help in this world? He was my friend so long
As I was merry. Now full plain he shows
EVERYMAN 6i
lis little sympathy. Ever I had
i sense of this, but would not let it sway
ly mind, until this hour. Now falls the stroke.
Fis always thus: so long as Fortune smiles
)ne shall have many friends. When Fortune turns
ler back, then watch them scatter! Ah I it seems
o dreadful I Fear and sorrow choke me! Christ!
{Turns to Paramour,)
ay you will come with me !
PARAMOUR:
What, go with you, \
ind youth still glad and singing in my heart,
Jid beauty still supreme on face and form,
Jid all life's joys to lure me? Did I go
d lose that pleasure-garden that you gave,
aid all the thousand raptures of my days.
I J dance with you on all the roads of bliss,
ut on the Lonely Road I will not go!
^ ask me not. Love's over now. Farewell I
(Exit.)
EVERYMAN:
h, God! Was ever misery like mine?
y very love forsakes me!
-zle becomes aT»are of his Cousins near b}f, and his face
lights up.)
But there stand
y blood relations. Cousins dear, pray you,
«main with me! You have come just in time.
here is no lovelier saying in the world
^an this: **Like draws to like." And this you prove
^. "..■
fo EVERYMAN
Today. With word and deed, in this dark hour.
Be you my boon companions!
FAT COUSIN:
Be you stHl
My cousin Everyman! And that is all
That needs be said. Be kinsman still of mine!
EVERYMAN:
You will not leave me?
FAT COUSIN:
Not a word! Who*d dream
To leave you in the lurch? That were a shame!
THIN COUSIN:
Whatever fares, deep sorrow or full joy.
We would share both with you.
FAT COUSIN:
Ah! True! Well said!
You see how faithfully we stand.
EVERYMAN:
Great thanks.
My kinsmen!
FAT COUSIN:
And because we are your kin —
EVERYMAN:
You saw the Messenger that came. He came
EVERYMAN «3
At the Great King's command.
FAT COUSIN:
Yes, yes, I know.
Cousin Everyman, but find the matter such
As lies beyond my mending.
EVERYMAN:
He commands
That I do make a Journey.
FAT COUSIN:
So *tis told.
EVERYMAN:
And from this journey —
FAT COUSIN:
Now, as said before,
"Like draws to like."
EVERYMAN:
f And from this journey I,
«*'ull well I know, shall nevermore return.
FAT COUSIN:
Mever? Well, out of nothing, nothing comes.
EVERYMAN:
*^«ar cousin, hear you me?
. FAT COUSIN:
You do not speak
64 EVERYMAN
To one who's deaf.
THIN COUSIN:
God's truth, that's trae enough!
EVERYMAN:
I never shall return I
FAT COUSIN:
But did you hear
The Messenger aright?
EVERYMAN:
I? Him?
FAT COUSIN:
The words
He said, and what he meant? Did you catch all
Aright?
EVERYMAN:
Did I ?
FAT COUSIN:
Just so! That's what I said.
A most unwelcome guest, eh, cousin?
THIN COUSIN:
Yes!
I mean — I pray to God —
FAT COUSIN:
You mean the same
EVERYMAN 65
Y^es, as I said. God be with you.
in! which is all that I can say!
EVERYMAN:
IS. stay and listen!
THIN COUSIN:
Have you. then,
her wish? Announce it, cousin dear.
EVERYMAN:
lust I render my account, and find
iful Elnemy whose single thought
estruction. Ah! with all your ears
» me I
FAT COUSIN:
But tell me — ^what account?
EVERYMAN:
ount of all my earthly deeds, and how
s were spent. Yea! and what sins were mine,
t and day, through all my guilty years,
for Christ's sake, lift your hearts in prayer
Ip me solve this thing!
THIN COUSIN:
What! do you mean
d afar? Nay. cousin Everyman!
as your fellow-traveler
! I rather in a gloomy cell
my years would live on prison fare.
66 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
Oh! that I never had been born! Oh! never
Shall I know happiness again if now
You twain desert me!
FAT COUSIN:
Nay, man! What is this?
Be of light heart! Assert yourself I Be firm!
I tell you, once and for all. you shall not drag
Me down with you!
(Starts to go.)
EVERYMAN:
(7*0 Thin Cousin.)
But G>usin, will not Jfou
THIN COUSIN:
Saint Clare! I find Fve got
Cramp in the toes — a grievous malady!
It came a-sudden.
FAT COUSIN:
{Remains standing and speaks over his shoulder.)
Plague us not, for we
Cannot be ten^)ted! I've a sweetheart home
Who loves to travel: she might suit you should
You see her. You are welcome to her. She
Might go with you.
EVERYMAN:
Declare now your intent!
Set forth with me?
EVERYMAN 67
you desert me in my misery?
e's this one thing that I must know: will you -
nth me or go not?
FAT COUSIN:
I stick at home,
lick to you, dear Everyman ! God speed,
we meet again!
{Cousins start to go,)
EVERYMAN:
O Saviour Christ!
all things at an end? They promised me
uchi And now they br^k their plighted word!
THIN COUSIN:
{Turns and approaches Every^man.)
not our use, nor seems it fair and right,
sk a person forth on such a trip.
body-servants should suffice: ask them.
kindred should be far too dear to you.
EVERYMAN:
K)dy-servants ! That's a fine idea!
t use are they? I should have little help
them I
{He loolfs around,)
Is there an end, now, to the feast?
all the revellers left the banquet-hall?
goes up to the table, A fenf r»ho are sitting and drink*
ing notice him, jump up and flee. The table disap-
pears.)
68 EVERYMAN
Is there no other aid, and am I lost —
Alone in all the world? Has God so planned?
Designs He so, that I be wholly stripped
And weak, as though already in my grave?
I, with the blood still warm in every vein?
I, whom my servants in all things obey?
I, with my wealth of houses and of gold?
Up! Sound the fire-alarm! Ye lazy scamps.
Loaf not about the house! Come quickly! Come!
{Steward hastens out with several servants.)
I must essay a journey speedily —
On foot at that: no carriage. All must go-—
These servants. All my money-coffers, too.
They must be borne. 'Twill be like going forth
To war. I'll be in need of all my wealth.
STEWARD:
The heavy money-coffers?
EVERYMAN:
Yes! Make haste
With no more talk!
{Servants bring chest out carefully.)
I've called you for a trip.
And see you show obedience! The way
Is strange and very far, and needs thereon
Only the most trustworthy folk. This is
A secret, and I hope you keep it one.
SERVANT:
Painfully heavy is this chest!
EVERYMAN 69
STEWARD:
Obey
master's will !
EVERYMAN:
Now set we forth, most still
secretly.
{Death comes from the distance.)
FIRST SERVANT:
Look! look! A devil! Look!
igns to us to halt!
STEWARD:
Nay! it is Death,
dreadful one! In all his power he comes.
fonts /eove chest standing and run, SUtpard runs too.)
DEATH:
oil Soon comes your hour, and still you stand
mpreparedl You know not how to find
right companionship. Soon will you doubt,
curse yourself!
(Vanishes.)
EVERYMAN:
O God! how dread I death!
is my brow with sweat of my despair !
can the soul be murdered in the flesh?
t comes on me swiftly? I have found
: comfort ever in my darkest hours,
ne*er been wholly left alone, a poor
70 EVERYMAN
And pitiable fool ! Ever I had
A rock on which to hold, and clung thereto
With all my strength. Are all my powers gone.
My mind deranged already, that I fail
To know me who I am? — rich Everyman,
Who thought to live forever! Everyman!
This is my hand and this my garment. There
My treasure stands, the gold that was my strength
And ever swiftly won me my desire.
Surely before mine eyes I see my wealth:
Could I remain by it, no fear were mine.
No grim anxiety; but now, alas!
Sudden I realize I must go forth!
The messenger was here, the summons cried.
And now must I go hence!
{Throips himself on the chest)
Not without you!
You must go forth with me! Oh! not for aught
Would I leave ^ou bdiind! You must go hence
With me unto another House! So come!
Come quickly with me out of this!
{Chest springs open, MAMMON rises from if.)
MAMMON:
Ho— ho!
What ails you, Everyman? You seem to be
In mighty haste, and meanwhile white as chalk!
EVERYMAN:
Who, then, are you?
\
EVERYMAN 71
MAMMON:
You know me not, and yet
Would drag me with you? Lol of all your wealth
Am I the keeper — guard of all you own
On earth!
EVERYMAN:
Your countenance does please me not.
Nor gives me bravery. Yet all the same
Must you go with me.
MAMMON:
Where's the sense in that?
.What needs be done, that can we here perform.
Behold my might! Say what oppresses you:
Tlien can I be of aid.
EVERYMAN:
'Tis otherwise.
This time: I have been summoned.
MAMMON:
Yes — and by? —
EVERYMAN:
{With downcast epes.)
There came for me a Messenger.
MAMMON:
And so
For that you must go hence? A messenger!
And come to summon you ! A sudden thing !
I never heard the like before!
7a EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
And you
Go also: thus I order!
MAMMON:
Not a step!
I've too much comfort here.
EVERYMAN:
But you are mine!
My all! My property!
MAMMON:
/ \fours ? Ha-ha !
Don't make me laugh!
EVERYMAN:
You would rebel? Vile thing!
Accursed one!
MAMMON:
{Pushing him aside.)
Be not too sure of me:
I care not for your wrath! The thing's reversed:
I am the giant now, and you the dwarf!
You are the servant now, my little man!
Dreamed you 'twas ever otherwise? That were
But self-deception and a fool's idea.
EVERYMAN:
I had you at my orders.
Within your soul.
My servant.
I let you dance.
And slave.
EVERYMAN 73
MAMMON:
And I reigned
EVERYMAN:
You were, in house and street,
MAMMON:
At the end of a held string
EVERYMAN:
You were my body-servant
MAMMON:
No! you were my brave jumping-jack.
EVERYMAN:
But I alone dared touch you.
MAMMON:
I alone
G>uld lead you by the-nose. Poor knave! Raw fool!
Oh! fool of fools? Why look you, Everyman:
I stay behind on earth, and where go you?
Tlie strength I placed in you, the giant power.
What have you made of it? — a spectacle,
A glittering show, a fashioned pompousness,
A lustful, cursed fury! He was but
A bladder blown by me, and that he soared
And still can soar, is due alone to me.
74 EVERYMAN
This is what gave him courage to exist
(Lifts a handful of monejf from chesU and Icls it fall back
again.)
Back whence it came it falls: there also ends
Your happiness! Soon too your senses five
Shall wither, till you know me not again.
I was but lent you for this earthly day.
And go not on your journey. I? Depart?
Nay, I remain 1 You shall go forth, alone.
In want and fell despair. In vain for you
The stretching out of hands! In vain for you
To wail or gnash your teeth! You shall go forth
Naked and bare as when you reached this world!
(Bovn down. .Chest shuts. Everyman speechless. A
long pause. GOOD DEEDS becomes visible^ Ul^e a
sick P^Tson stretched on a jpretched pallet. She raises
herself a little and calls in a feeble voice.)
GCX)D DEEDS:
Everyman !
(He pajfs no attention.)
Do you not hear me, Everyman?
EVERYMAN:
(To himself.)
It is as though one called. The voice is weak.
Yet very clear. Now, God forbid it be
My mother! She is feeble, old and frail:
May she be spared this sight! For pity's sake
May it not be my mother !
EVERYMAN 75
GCX)D DEEDS:
Everyman I
EVERYMAN:
Oh! be it who it may, I have no time
For worldly matters and annoyances.
GCX)D DEEDS:
Do you not hear me, Everyman? "^
EVERYMAN:
It is
Some ill and weakly woman. What care I?
At such a time she must fend for herself.
GCX)D DEEDS:
To you, O Everyman! do I belong.
Behold me Isring here because of you I
EVERYMAN:
How can that be?
GCX)D DEEDS:
(Half raises herself,)
I am the deeds you did.
Behold me!
EVERYMAN:
Mock me not, for at this hour
I am a dying man!
GCX)D DEEDS:
Draw near to me
76 EVERYMAN
This litde way.
(Sinks back')
EVERYMAN:
Unwilling gaze I noi»
Upon my mortal deeds: they are no sight
For me.
GCX)D DEEDS:
Most weak am I, and must lie here:
Were it but possible, I'd run to you.
EVERYMAN:
I want no other person's cares. I have
Elnough of fear and misery for myself.
GCX)D DEEDS:
Yet need you me. The way is fearsome far.
And you have no companion.
EVERYMAN:
I must go
That way alone.
GOOD DEEDS:
Nay! I will go with you.
For I am yours.
(Everyman looks tor^ari her,)
GOOD DEEDS:
It is great grief to me,
A heavy burden on my soul, that you
Have given me no thought, since, but for you.
EVERYMAN 77
I could move swiftly, and in all events
Be at your side.
EVERYMAN:
{Goes to her,)
Good Deeds, most i*!! it fares
With me this hour. Oh! for some good advice!
For any aid!
GOOD DEEDS:
(Tries hard to raise herself on her crutches.)
I have heard, Everyman,
That you before your Saviour have been called ^
And the tremendous Judgment. Go not forth
Alone, I say, unless you would be lost!
EVERYMAN:
Will you go with me?
GOOD DEEDS:
Will I go with you?
You ask me that, O Everyman?
EVERYMAN:
(Gazing into her e^s,)
You look
At me so longingly! In all my life
Methinks, no man nor woman — lover, friend —
Gazed on me with such eyes.
GOOD DEEDS:
Oh! Everyman!
That you at this late hour should turn unto
t
78 EVERYMAN
Mine eyes and mouth!
EVERYMAN:
You have a careworn face.
And pale, but rich in loveliness to me.
The more I look on you, so much the more
My heart is moved. Now tender are my thoughts.
Yet so confused I do not know myself.
It is as though your eyes so gleamed that they
Could lighten mine. Great blessing and great peace
Would come to a poor man. But surely I
Have failed, and now it all is but a dream!
GCX)D DEEDS:
Had you but known I'm not unbeautiful.
And, faithful at my side, remained away
From evil and the world — draw near, my voice
Is low — ^had you gone out among the poor.
Full brotherly, in reverence, and had you
Begun to cherish holy grief and pain.
Your heart had grown, and I, so feeble now,
I should have been transfigured in your sight.
This would have been to you a heavenly Cup,
A Chalice with God's mercy brimming o'er.
And set in invitation to your lips!
EVERYMAN:
Oh! and I might have never seen your face,
So blind was 1 1 What creatures of the dark
Are we, alas! when such can be our doom!
GOOD DEEDS:
I was a chalice set before your sight —
.EVERYMAN 79
A chalice filled by Heaven to the brim.
There was no taint of earthliness therein.
And therefore seemed I little in your eyes.
EVERYMAN:
Oh! I could tear them out! I would not be
So fearful of the darkness then, for they
Have led me on to bitterness of woe.
Falsely, and all life long.
GCX)D DEEDS:
Alas! your lips
Must now be parched forevermorel Your thirst
Desired the world for drink: now is the cup
Refused.
EVERYMAN:
Therefore do I already feel
Within these veins a thirst more terrible.
My senses ravel This is my life's reward!
GCX)D DEEDS:
So bitter is repentance! So it burns!
These are the sufferings you should have known.
Could now your heart experience them, what bliss
It were for us!
EVERYMAN:
{Prostrates himself.)
Let me be ground to dust
From head to heel, if in this mortal frame
One fibre lives that cries not wild with woe
8o EVERYMAN
And deep repentance! To re-live my days!
But no! Another chancel It cannot be!
Nay, though I fear and shriek, I shall not live
A second lifel Now my torn bosom knows.
Unknown till now, the meaning of those words,
"Lie down to die! The knell has struck! All ends.**
GCX)D DEEDS:
(On her knees.)
Shall this repentance flaming and immense
Not free me from the ground? For I would rise
Unto my feet, and stand by him this hour!
(FalU to ground.)
Oh! I am ill and feeble!
EVERYMAN:
O'er our deeds
Merciless justice hangs! Ah! leave me not
To face my Judge alone! Not that! Not that!
Surely I should be lost! Oh! help you me
To render my account to Him the Lord
Of life and death. King of Eternity!
Else am I lost forever!
GOOD DEEDS:
Everyman !
EVERYMAN:
Leave me not without counsel!
GOOD DEEDS:
Know you then
I have a sister, gentle but austere.
EVERYMAN 8i
A guide from guilt to mercy. Faith her name.
Let us appeal to her: could she be moved
By humble prayer, she might abide with you.
And with you go before the throne of God.
EVERYMAN:
Hasten! Time flies! For God's sake summon her!
GCX)D DEEDS:
It may be she will turn from you, and then
You must go to the grave uncomforted.
Yet would she give you of her help, could you
Talk with her rightly.
EVERYMAN:
If one had no tongue,
Fear and necessity would give him one.
(FAITH enters.)
GOOD DEEDS:
Needless were it to talk so loud. I feel
My sister comes. Dear sister, deep distress
Is on diis mortal: will you stay with him
At death? For all my strength goes out of me.
Feeble, I cannot aid him in his need.
(Falls back')
FAITH:
(To Everyman.)
For all your life have you held me m scorn.
Scorning God*s word as well. Now, at death's hour,
Is there a different tenor to your speech?
8a EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
I believe! I believe!
FAITH:
The speech is poor!
EVERYMAN:
0 God! have mercy! deeply I believe
In the twelve articles and all that they
Embrace! EstabUshed are they unto me.
And holy!
FAITH:
*Tis Ae poorer part of faith:
Build not too much on such a penitence.
Have you so poor contrition?
EVERYMAN:
In God's long sufferance, if one repent
In time. But I am sunk so deep in sin
His mercy cannot reach me.
FAITH:
(T'a^es a step nearer him.)
Are you, then.
So deeply drowned in lust, so steeped in sin.
That now your lips are barren of the word
Which might forever save your forfeit soul?
(Kneels before Mm.)
EVERYMAN:
1 believe 1
I believe
EVERYMAN 83
FAITH:
Do you believe in Jesus Christy
Come to us from the Father? Like ourselves
A mortal man, of mortal woman born.
Who for your sake poured out His precious blood
And has arisen from the dead, that you
With God His Father mi^t be reconciled!
EVERYMAN:
Yea! I believe! All this He did for us.
He calmed His Father's wrath, and on the Cross
Died in His blamelessness, to bring mankind
JSalvation everlasting. Yet I know
The good alone shall take avail of this,
^Whose righteousness and piety shall gain
Jor them the life eternal. But behold
^^Ay deeds! Alas! the mountain of my sins
rushes me down! God cannot pardon me,
eing the All-High Judge!
FAITH:
And are you such
doubting Qiristian? Know you not the depth
f God's great mercy?
od punishes!
EVERYMAN:
Surely, terribly,
FAITH:
He pardons without measaxel
84 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
Pharaoh He slew! On Sodom and Gomorrah
Rained He His fire I
FAITH:
And gave His only Son
To this sad world. From Heaven He sent Him forth
That He be bom a man, and so no man
Be lost — that one and all, e*en to the last
Might find eternal life. "Lx>l I am come***
He said, "to save the sinner, and not him
Who needeth no repentance!** So He spake
Who cannot lie. If you believe ere death
Then is your sin forgiven, and God*s wrath
Is stilled.
EVERYMAN:
Your words are gende. Oh! I feel
As I were bom anew ! So long as I
Draw breath on earth, so long do I believe
Tliat through the Christ our Lord I may be saved!
FAITH:
Because you do believe, go hence and wash
Your soul from sin!
EVERYMAN:
Where is there such a Spring |jL|
Oh holy water? Oh! to reach it soon! I^Vv'*
(A Monk becomes visible above.) ITW^
FAITH: Itk^
A holy man awaits you, by whose help
Your soul shall yet be purified. Return, _.
EVERYMAN 85
lis done, clad all in white, and I will take
>ur hand and go with you — I, you, good deeds!
shall you gain in strength.
EVERYMAN:
(On his k^ees,)
Eternal Godl
1 1 Beatific Vision! Road of Truth,
id heavenly Light! Here at my final hour
:ry to Thee, and wailing fills this mouth!
Savior dear, pray my Creator now ^ '
lat He be merciful unto the end,
hen the dark Elnemy draws near from Hell ^s
id Death's appalling clutch is at my throat!
ay that He take my soul above, that I
trough thy sweet intercession may approach,
Christ, thy seat at His right hand, and go
ith Him in glory! Let this be my pray'r,
r thou upon the Cross hast saved our souls!
le lies in prater upon his face. Organ sounds louder; at
the same time, in the darkness, Everyman s Mother
crosses over, as to earl^ Mass, her servant carrying a
torch. She pauses.)
SERVANT:
adame, why stand you still, and at diis hour?
hat ails you? Arc you ill? Were it not best
lat you return unto your home and bed
lan hasten to this early Mass?
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
86 EVERYMAN
So late? Is Mass beginniiig now? I hear
Marvellous ringing, as though angels sang.
SERVANT:
In no wise are we late, nor do I hear
Sounds loud or low.
EVERYMAN'S MOTHER:
I hear, and in my heart
I know they are the angelic songs that rise
About God's throncl It is for my dear son !
At this good hour his soul is healed, and he
Is reconciled unto the Lord our God.
Now joyously and willingly I die.
My prayer is heard. I know that I shall stand
Before my God, before my Savior's throne.
And find my dear son there. Now lettest Thou
Thy servant journey forth in peace! Amenl
SERVANT:
Madame, will not you come? Time flies. 'Trs dark!
{They pass on.)
FAITH:
May God be with you, Everyman! And as
I call you forth this hour and bid you go
Before your Saviour, so be your account
Made errorless, and free from earthly guilt.
GOOD DEEDS:
Alas! I fain would rise but am too weak!
(Enter DEBTOR and WORKMAN.)
EVERYMAN «7
DEBTOR:
Now suffer that wc help you rise.
WORKMAN:
Our limbs
Are strong, yours feeble.
GOOD DEEDS:
Who am I that you
Should aid me now? Am I not strange to you?
Have I been kind to you that you to me
Should proffer kindness? It is in my heart
That you have had but wrongs from Everyman.
DEBTOR:
Hard was his hand on me, but now a Hand
More terrible is on him: I forgive.
For that is first among a Christian's needs.
WORKMAN:
We toilers are a poor and simple folk.
Nor hoard our wrongs, but cheerfully forgive.
(Good Deeds throjps her crutches ar»ay and approaches
him.)
FAITH:
O Everyman, prepare yourself for joy!
For now in truth are your good deeds made straight.
And free from all the burden of your sin!
GOOD DEEDS:
Seel It is I your friend, O Everyman I
88 EVERYMAN
I blest you, who have freed me from my pain*
And will go with you, wheresoe'er it be.
EVERYMAN:
Ahl dear Good Deeds! I weep for very joy
To hear your voice I
FAITH:
Now must you sorrow not.
Nor longer weep. Nay! now indeed rejoice.
And show a happy spirit. From His throne
God sees you healed.
EVERYMAN:
I seek no more delay
Nor lingering. My friends, we shall go forth
Together, for I shall not part from you.
(He goes up and follows after monk* Faith and Ci
Deeds persist in pray^ing.)
DEVIL:
{Comes bounding in.)
Hold, Everyman! Stop, Everyman! Halt, halt!
Come hither, comrade! Here I stand, who came
To fetch you. I am here. Ho, Everyman !
He*s gone within! He must be very deaf.
And iQ both ears! Why enters he that house?
^^- Ye others, hale him forth, and I meanwhile
Will wait outside. Catch him and bring him here!
It may be he will Iceep me waiting long.
Let him! I fear not that: he's in my clutch.
Body and soul, as never man before.
EVERYMAN 89
FAITH:
Hold!
DEVIL:
(Does not hear.)
I must pass!
FAITH:
Not here the way!
DEVIL:
For I have business there.
_ FAITH:
It is.
There is no way.
I can evade her.
Here for your kind
DEVIL:
A woman, quarrelsome!
FAITH:
(Gets in his n^ap again.)
Here's no way for you !
DEVIL:
On business must I stand beside yon door.
So that, when he I seek comes fordi, I then
Can take him with me on a certain way.
FAITH:
I will not argue with you.
go EVERYMAN
DEVIL:
Nor will I
With you. But I will pass.
GOOD DEEDS:
Here is no way
For you.
DEVIL:
(Closes up his ears.)
Noise! Noise! A pest!
GOOD DEEDS:
(Ceis in his wa}f.)
No way!
DEVIL: '
No way?
No way? Is there no way? No ground on which
My feet may stand? No place to leap? Then I
Forthwith will make a way!
(Tries to go through h}f force,)
FAITH:
(Stepping forward.)
Would you, then, use
Your very fists? Disturb our holy pray'rs?
Behold who comes to aid us!
(Angel comes from above.)
DEVIL:
Ha-ha-ha I
So all our gentle friends are in the game!
They whose sole task it is to lounge and gape.
EVERYMAN 91
From morn till nightfall, while their betters go
About their duty with all urgency, —
With eagerness and great expense of strength!
(Good Deeds end Faith do not lool^ at him^ but pra}f rpith
folded hands.)
HelFs bottom! Is there any doubt in this?
Shall there be argument? Incredible!
Lives there on earth a soul that would deny.
Here to my face, this man is lost to me?
This mighty glutton! Tliis great tank of wine!
This woman-hunter and adulterer!
This tempter, loose in word and deed, with less
Belief than a black heathen has, and more
Forgetful of his God than are the brutes
Of field and stye ! This waster of the goods
Of widows and of orphans! This oppressor!
This hater!
(Springs up.)
Where are words to picture him?
They fail me, such a sinful beast is he!
Yet they refuse him to me, when that I
Would grasp him, twist his neck, and yell to him:
"Abase thee, mortal clay, and die!" Yea! thus
Cold-bloodedly Fd wait for him, and seize
His soul for Hell! And shall you then not fear
My wrath, my gnashing jaws, my doubled fist?
Shall you not see that justice and the right
Stand armed at my side?
FAITH:
At your side
None stands. You have already lost the game.
And God ere now has balanced in His scaler
92 EVERYMAN
The penitence and debt of Everyman,
To find what should eternally be paid.
DEVIL:
How shall that be? Shall then an hour outweigh
The habits of a life? Shall one wax fat.
And, calmly and deliberately, base
His life on sin, and, day and night, upbuild
The ran9>arts of his guilt, then, at the last.
Find the substantial and considered pile
A thing a single blow can overwhelm?
FAITH:
Yea! thus Repentance works! She has a strength,
A fire to recreate the ruined soul
From sin*s own dust and ashes!
DEVIL:
Woman's tricks
And chatter! Wash my fur and wet it not!
Wish-washy twaddle! I could spit with hate!
Proofs! Proofs! Give proofs! Show me one word or deed
To put him in the right before a judge!
FAITH:
Before that Judge to Whom he goes today.
Your right would go for nothing. It is based
On earthly fraud and pretense, and by Time
/ Has limitationr Wangled. in -Time^ -mesh. . . .
/ Where ring those bells?
(One hears from •within the death-hells. .Good Deeds and
Faith fall to their knees.)
EVERYMAN 93
GOOD DEEDS:
Eternity begins!
DEVIL:
(Closing his ears.)
Enough! I quit! O leave him! I go home!
Pamper your pet! I shudder with disgust!
{Good Deeds and Faith hcc\fe raised themselves.)
A happy case, as clear as day, and yet
A hair is in the soup, and all's a waste!
Fearless and merry step I to the front
And call me heritor of this damn*d soul.
To hear: "No thoroughfare! No thoroughfare!"
Prison and lash to you, you long-robed things!
The very heathen had allowed my claim —
It would have been mere justice! Now they shout:
**No thoroughfare!'* — these women! Hell is hot.
And here he comes white-robed, arch hypocrite!
And whining for his sins ! The world is bad.
Stupid and mean! Here might alone is right!
The world is rank injustice, and full oft
Would injure us sincere and clever folk! {Exit
Everyman comes from above^ in long white rohe^
a pilg?im*s staff in his hand, and his face '
deathly nfhite, but transfigured. Approaches the two.)
GOOD DEEDS:
See I not Everyman draw near? *Tis he!
He has made peace with God, and strengthened us
For a sure flight to Heaven.
94 EVERYMAN
EVERYMAN:
Give me now
Your hand. I have received the sacrament.
Blessed be you that have done this for me
And given me your counsel! Oh! be thanked
That you so faithfully, with fervent pray'r.
Have waited for mel Let us now begin.
Our journey. Lay you each upon this staff
A hand, and follow me unto the grave!
GOOD DEEDS:
From off this stafi, until the journey's end,
I will not lift my hand!
FAITH:
By you I stand
As once by Judas Maccabeus!
( The}f go up. . Death has appeared and goes behind t
They stand at the grave,)
EVERYMAN:
{Shuts his eyes.)
Now
Must I go to the midnight of the grave!
My God, be merciful to me!
FAITH:
I stand
Faithful to you.
GOOD DEEDS:
I too come, Everyman.
EVERYMAN 95
EVERYMAN:
God and His holiness be with me now!
On Him I cry for mercy!
GOOD DEEDS:
(Help$ him into his grave and then goes to him.)
Let the end,
O Lord I be peaceful unto us who come
To Thy pure Realm of joy!
EVERYMAN:
(In grave. Onljf head and shoulders visible.)
Because that you
Have ransomed me, care for my soul, that I
May not be lost, but on the final Day
May join with you the ranks of the redeemed!
FAITH:
Now ends his earthly fate! Naked and bare
He goes before his Judge. His deeds alone
Shall welcome him and be his witnesses.
Methinks I hear angelic voices sing.
Afar and clear, as in their heavenly Home
They bid the poor soul enter unto peace!
(Angels singing.)
The End.
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